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Youth urged to venture into agriculture for sustainable income
An agribusiness conference to expose young people to job opportunities that exist in the agricultural sector has been held in Accra under the auspices of the Master Card Foundation.
It was held in partnership with Agri-Impact Limited and the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG) on the theme “Empowering Agrofuture Entrepreneurs.”
The conference was simultaneously held at the Universities of Ghana and Professional Studies, Accra and the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and targeted young people from the age of 15 -35 years.
In an address, Abraham Safo, a Value Chain Enterprise Development Specialist for the programme, said it was important to rope in the young ones at the university, particularly those pursuing Masters programmes to understand the opportunities in the agricultural space.
According to him, this would set their minds right from the onset and disabuse their minds that agriculture was synonymous to the traditional cutlass and hoe farming full of drudgery, stating that job opportunities in crop insurance, banking, credit management, marketing amongst others exist in the agric ecosystem.
With a target of 330,000 jobs along four agricultural value chains in the areas of rice, tomatoes, poultry and soya bean, Mr Safo said the initiative would help elevate the subject of agriculture to the forefront of national discourse and expose young people to the opportunities therein.
He said Agri-Impact extends support to young entrepreneurs in agriculture through capacity building training, adding that support was also extended to young entrepreneurs in the form of starter- packs, access to land, facilitating access to land, among others.
He called on the youth to see agriculture as a business and profitable venture out of which they could make a sustainable living.
On his part, Emmanuel Owusu, GRASAG National President, said the programme was organised to expose members to the opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
Urging the youth to take advantage of the programme, Mr Owusu said with the advent of modern technology, agriculture has taken on a new dimension which does not necessitate being on the farm to till the land.
“We want our members to know that, it was not a case of always doing an office or corporate job but you could venture into agriculture and earn sustainable income,” he said.
A chief farmer, Nana Owusu- Achiaw, said to overcome the challenge of reducing purchasing power, young entrepreneurs should understand where the bulk of money goes in the scheme of things.
He urged participants to apply the FIST principle which deals with using technology for farming purposes, rendering services in the value chain, engaging in farm and food business among others.
By Norman Cooper
News
Oguaa goes gay with Fetu Afahye
The ancient city of Cape Coast, one of Ghana’s historical cities, witnessed a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the Oguaa people with an exciting, colourful, and traditional event to mark the celebration of the 61st annual Fetu Afahye.
Themed “Innovate to elevate: Harnessing the creative economy for sustainable growth”, the festival featured a vibrant lineup of events, interspersed with several cultural performances showcasing the traditions which depict the traditional, historical and ancestral heritage of the land.
It witnessed a colourful procession of chiefs and various Asafo companies from the Mfantsipim School junction through the principal streets of the town to the Jubilee Park, accompanied by drumming and traditional dances.
The chiefs and members of the asafo companies were adorned in regal attire symbolising the pride and unity of the community.
Fetu Afahye demonstrates Oguaa’s resilience, unity, and cultural pride as the town welcomed indigenes both within and outside, as well as people from far and near, desirous of participating in the festival.
Various public spaces, including eateries and pubs, attracted patrons, and streets within the town witnessed bustling events with music blaring from the loudspeakers that had been placed by the roadside.
Bakatue
Prior to the durbar was the Bakatue regatta, a canoe race on the Fosu Lagoon, organised by ATL, a campus-based radio station located within the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in collaboration with the Oguaa Traditional Council.
The event saw a thrilling spectacle as the three Asafo companies, Nkum No. 4, Bentsir No. 1, and Anaafo No. 2, battled aggressively on the Fosu Lagoon. Nkum No. 4 earned nine points to clinch the trophy, medals, and a cash prize. They were followed by Anaafo No. 2 with five points, while Bentsir No. 1 finished third with four points.
Orange Friday
Friday witnessed what has come to be known as the biggest street carnival in Ghana, known as ‘Orange Friday.’
It drew hundreds of people across the country. Clad in orange attires, the patrons gathered and moved through the streets of the town, creating a gridlock.
The Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osaberimba Kwesi Atta II, at the durbar of chiefs to climax the festival acknowledged the unifying factor in relation to culture among Africans and stated the need for Africans to take their destinies into their own hands.
He explained that festivals such as Fetu Afahye offer an opportunity for Africans to remind themselves of the future by working hard and embrace the future in order not to be taken by events.
The Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, in a speech read on her behalf, noted that the festival was far more than a ritual or an annual duty, saying, “It is an affirmation of an identity, a homecoming and a powerful testimony to the wisdom and fortitude of our forebears”.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, the Olu of Warri State in Nigeria, Ogiame Atuwatse III, indicated that, the only thing holding Africans back was Africans themselves, which he said, was in the area of an African identity, and acting on that identity.
From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast
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Chief Imam issues disclaimer on unauthorised petitions
The Office of the National Chief Imam has warned Muslim organizations and individuals against issuing statements and petitions to the Government in his name without permission.
In a statement, the Chief Imam said he had observed that some groups had been circulating petitions, including a recent one on Hajj, using his name without authorization.
He stressed that such actions were unlawful and cautioned those involved to stop or face the law.
The Chief Imam reminded the public that on October 4, 2022, he, together with the National Imams of all Muslim sects, signed a deed and presented it to the Government at the Jubilee House.
The agreement recognised the National Muslim Conference of Ghana as the official body representing Muslims in their dealings with state institutions.
He urged that any petitions meant to be sent to the Government in his name should go through the National Muslim Conference of Ghana with the approval of the Advisory Board of his office.
By: Jacob Aggrey
